DISCLAIMER:

This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.

Simple terms explainer: 

When running a tender for a public contract, councils must carry out a pre-selection process to make sure bidders meet legal and professional standards. This includes checking for issues like fraud, corruption, or serious breaches of conduct. Councils have the power - and in some cases the obligation - to exclude any bidder who has committed grave professional misconduct or poses a risk to fair competition. These checks help ensure contracts are awarded responsibly, protect public funds, and maintain trust in the procurement process.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Corporate services


Duty type

Compliance


Social determinant of health

Economic stability

Emerging policy and legislation


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Bodies with shared interest

Scotland Excel
Audit Scotland
Scottish Public Procurement Group
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Association of Local Authority Risk Managers (ALARM)
Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators in Scotland (SOLAR)

Standards and frameworks

 

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